The flames rose high as the danced, licking upwards towards a kingdom they did not control. Aleida thought them irony of it was beautiful. In the real world, none of it would have been able to coexist, yet in this moment, in nature, they were all companions, working together to better the others. The ocean before them lived on its own, ruling its own domain as it granted the fire to rest on its beach. The air allowed the flames to breath and grow, working together to show there worth, while the earth stayed stable beneath it all.

She loved moments where she had proof of coexistence.

The bonfire was a warm welcoming event, a council meeting is what they called it.

Dressed in her fur clothes, she sat among the elders, a bandaged wrapped around her right upper arm. She would be formally joining them soon. She would soon be a recognized as a person the tribe would seek knowledge and wisdom from.

Bella arrived shortly, and Aleida only hoped that the girl would listen to her stories and legends as well s the tribes. Tonight would be the first time the pack heard as well.

Billy commenced the legends, starting with the spirit warriors. Aleida was entranced at the way his words flowed, how the contained the same magic that she had heard the stories told with. It was wonderful to watch the newcomers soak in the histories and the role they had to play. Even Bella looked completely absorbed.

The other head council members told their legend, Sue taking up Harry's old position. Aleida sent the woman a strengthening smile, knowing she still felt the absence of her husband.

When the final legend was finished, most of the boys were ready to leave, none of them knowing that there was more to come.

Aleida could still hear Emmett's words asking her not to do this, she could still feel her bond pulling on her because of his emotions. She was determined to do this, though.

"Our tribe has had magic for a very long time, it was this magic that brought to us an ancient one," Billy begins.

"Their magic older came from times long since forgotten," Sue tell them.

"It has been many years since they have blessed anyone with their presence, it has been many years since we have welcomed anyone to the tribe." Old Quil spoke slowly, letting the words sink into the pack.

It didn't take them long to piece it all together, the looks on their faces saying it all.

The council leaders placed themselves in front of the flame, and old style dagger is Billy's hands.

"Aleida Underwood," Sue's words rang out. "You were welcomed in by the pack and the tribe. You have shared your knowledge and we would like to honor you for it."

She stood in front the Elders. Her stance proud and strong.

"Do you vow to honor the tribe , our culture and our traditions? Do you vow to live by pack laws and share your experience with the generations to follow?" Billy's words rang out around the bonfire.

"I vow by it and more," Aleida replied. Her hands shaking in anticipation.

"Are you prepared for the position of Elder and the responsibilities that it demands?" Sue spoke. A smile on her face as she saw the excitement growing in the girl.

"I do."

"Do you vow to protect the tribe and the people from it's enemies? To do whatever it demands of you?" Old Quil asked.

"I do."

Billy held up the knife and gave a small cut to each oft the council leaders. Gesturing for Aleida's hand, he cut into her palm.

Each member let a drop of blood fall into her open palm. There blood mixing together. Aleida felt the tribe magic snap into place. She was able to feel the magic in the land around her, a land that was welcoming her into its heart.

Aleida turned and let the blood drip into the flames. The magic was instantaneous. The flames glowed a faint green, shapes of nature taking forming. She stood unimpressed. She had seen the dancing flames before, and fire was not something she enjoyed.

The others enjoyed it thoroughly, however. The enjoyed watching flashes of her running through trees in the flames. Flashes of the wolves and her people from when she was nothing more than a child.

When the flames returned to normal color, she had everyone's attention. Slowly, she reached up and peeled the bandage off her arm, revealing the packs tattoo. It was a symbol of loyalty and unity, proof that she was really one of them. That she wouldn't leave.

"Sam," Billy called, holding the knife out to the alpha shifter. He took the knife and easily cut his palm, quickly grasping Aleida's hand in his.

She felt the chance almost immediately. She couldn't ear there thoughts, instead she felt there presence. She could sense the pack, like she had an awareness for them all.

The pack felt the change as well, and they quickly welcomed their new sister. Aleida was passed around in hugs, her feet never touching back to the sandy beach.

"I have legends to tell," Aleida spoke when they were finally finished. "You can hear them all tonight, or they could be bit by bit."

Many of them were quick to speak, giving their opining. Aleida raised her hand, silencing them. "It is Sam's decision."

He looked torn being put on the spot like that. "As many as you're willing to tell," he tells her, his interest and curiosity winning them over.

Smiling, she focused on her words.

"My people are different. We are an old and proud species that dates back to before the first stories of men." The wind picked up around her, naturally reacting to the the story of its children. "Back before the world was split, their were the four children of nature. Brothers who controlled the elements as easily as it was breathing. They called themselves the Naturals, for their powers represented the natural states of life. Water, earth, air, and fire. The gifts were granted to them by the gods, to thank them for their devotion and courage."

Aleida looked around the fire, taking in the faces of her new family. They were all engrossed in her words, sitting on the edge of her seat for her to continue. Emily took down notes furiously.

"The brothers taught their children, and their children's children. They continued to live in unity. Every generation fighting the War of the Damned." The ocean grew restless behind them, the story edging it on." The Damned were growing in numbers, the cursed children of the gods were angry, turning their wrath to the blessed ones. Every generation fought until the damned ran and hid away. The day the wars ended was the day they called new time, referring to their history as legends of the old world."

"The damned continue to remain," Old Quil broke the silence. "Hiding away in the shadows, waiting for an unsuspecting ancient to cross their path."

Aleida heard Bella's small gasp of fear. The histories were not always pleasant, but they were important to hear. "You are all safe, it is not your responsibility for you to worry."

"What about you though?" Embry spoke, asking the question that most of the pack had running through their minds.

"I have come across the damned. They are creatures of darkness that linger and attack when they believe they have the best chances of living. You must never take any pity on them, for they have offended the gods of old and new. It is a curse, a blind eye turned that lead them to such darkness. The Naturals can easily remove any of these creatures, they no longer having the strength they once possessed. Now hush, let me finish."

Aleida gazed into the flames. She watched them dance freely, reaching higher as the story went on. "The Naturals put the war to their past, but they no longer knew how to live in harmony with one another. The fire wielders branching off first, creating their own empire. Ruling the people based off of fear. The water tribes came into existence next. Fire was their natural opposite and they didn't want to be weak or easily defeat in case the Fire Emperor attempted to expand his rule. While the Earth villages were welcoming, the air folk felt trapped on the ground. They quickly disappeared off into the mountains. The earth wielders split over time. Many believed that the earth was a natural goldmine, something to dig up and use, while the other believed that it was sacred and should be protected. No matter where they went, the gods of old and new watched over them and were worshiped in return."

She took a breath. It had been many years since she had heard the legends herself, it was strange speaking them to others alone.

"What was your village?" the voice was timid, like she shouldn't be speaking. Aleida gave Bella a sad smile.

"My village worshiped the earth, but we accepted the other Naturals as well. The ones that were wandering or that had been barred from their kind." The memories were painful, her childhood was tragic, something she normally avoided. "The Fire Emperor was weary of us, he sent out his best men. I had watched my village burn before my eyes. My family, friends and people were lost. to me that night. The earth and the Gods have been my guides ever since."

She looked to the trees. They swayed gently, giving her a small dose of comfort.

Emily let out a quiet gasp, she made move to stand up, but Aleida shook her head softly.

"I had been thirteen when I witnessed this, and it still rest heavily on my mind from time to time. There was a ceremony, the village had gathered to watch the testing of the children. The first tree caught fire as I was declared to posses the gift of the gods." Aleida's voice was distant as she played over the scene. She could remember the running and screaming. The gifted attempted to fight, the people failed to defend themselves. She could still here the leaders voice telling her to run into the trees, telling her that the forest would protect her.

Snapping out of it, she gave them a weak smile. "It is in the past now, history. I have not felt the pain for many lifetimes."

Old Quil placed a hand on her shoulder, a silent question on if she would like to continue. She took a small sip of water from the bottle at her feet before nodding.

"I have a much more welcoming legend to share. The legend of the soulmates."

Aleida looked directly at Bella as she spoke. This was the story she wanted the girl to remember, the legend she brought to the Cullen's.

"A soulmate is sacred, as sacred as an imprint." The pack tensed, the boys who had imprinted understood the feeling incredibly well. "It first appeared when the women fought for their right to use their gifts. It was a time of strife and conflict. The men had physical strength, but the women had the determination to win out and conquer, their gifts becoming stronger. The females of every nation united, a force to be reckoned. They were forged in iron and blood, and would not be easily controlled or beat."

She looked Bella in the eye.

"The twins fought up front, leading the revolution. Many viewed their birth as a sign. Lamia was gifted with water, while her twin sister, Tatia, was gifted fire. Never before had this occurred, and it frightened many men. They were strong and powerful, they fought for their right and it turned to a war. Families were torn apart, nations were separated, yet world was still quiet. Land was still free, empty and vast. It was still possible to have death and murders occur all around, yet have no one question it."

"Scientist chalk it up to natural catastrophes." Billy added. his voice a calm reminder of the present.

"The twins engaged everyone possible in battle. Men would normally seek them out, to try and win the glory of victor. Lamia never thought that she would come across a brute of man earth natural. He was strong, but the fight was child's play to the her. When the time came to striking the final blow, she could not bring herself to defeat him. Her heart ached for the man before her, a love blossoming. She begged for him to leave and never return, but like all men he could not help himself." Aleida's voice was full of passion. She believed in every word she spoke.

"He visited her everyday, their fondness growing into the purest form of love. They were by a river, when they found themselves surrounded. Tatia was first to attack. Flames were quick and precise in their assault of Lamia's love. Not being able to watch him die, she jumped in the way as Tatia sent a bolt of pure lighting. Lamia's death was instant."

"She dies? She can't die" Paul asked in disbelief.

"Let me finish," she scolds. "Right. The gods took pity on them, they pair were meant to be by fate. Not wanting this to happen again, the gods blessed the Naturals with soulmates. Seeing them, you would know who were meant to be to them. Brother, friend, lover, or battle partner; they were the most important person to you, your existence shaping around your role."

Paul stared at Aleida, his disbelief still evident. He didn't want to believe she died. Aleida's gods wouldn't have just let her die, would they?

"What's it like when you see them? Your soulmate?" Embry asked.

Aleida smiled softly. "It's like everything clicks into place. A part of you that you never knew was missing is suddenly there and your past, present and future all makes sense. Everything leads to that person. A silver thread will appear from your heart. A literal heart string tying you to him."

Bella shot her head up towards her. Apparently, the Swan girl was the only one that picked up on the him. Aleida gave her a barely noticeable nod, confirming the girls suspicions.

"But what about Lamia, Tatia, and the guy!" Paul's voice rang out. Aleida laughed at his enthusiasm.

"Lamia was greeted with a warm welcome. She became the protector, the watcher and the fighter. She became the Warrior. The man grew to an old age, never taking a wife or fathering children. He spent his days learning and passing on his wisdom to those around him until he could join his lost love. He became the Father." Paul let out a small breath. "Tatia ended the war. She bore many children, giving them unconditional love, protection and bravery. She made sure that she never lost them in the same way she lost her sister. Her husband, an air natural, spread her message of peace when she passed away. She became the Mother. Thus the age of the Gods of New."

"Oh my god," Paul breathed. "I did not see that coming."

"Not many people did," Aleida laughed. "That is why Tatia's husband became the messenger of the gods, spreading their word."

Paul clapped loudly, standing up. "You are my new favorite Elder. I want to hear your legends every council meeting!"

Sam grabbed the boy and pulled him back down.

"I'm afraid it's rather late to continue." Aleida announced. "Bella needs to return, and I'm sure that some of you have patrol to run."

The meeting disassembled quickly. The pack cleaned up quickly, while the Elders made their leave. Jogging toward a departing Bella and Jacob.

"Bella! May I speak with you?" Aleida asked, her voice still contained the melodious tone from telling her legends.

Bella nodded warily, last time having she had been somewhat alone with her things had not ended on a positive note.

"I just wanted to offer you some quick advice," Aleida whispered.

"Of course," Bella replied honestly. "But I have a quick question for you."

"Of course, that'll be fine." She was more than willing to answer a quick question if it meant that Bella would listen to her advice. "It is okay to love someone completely, look at the New Gods for example but do not let him rule or destroy you. He is not your owner, you have your own voice. And please do not forget that he is stronger than you. I still do not approve of you being with someone with whom you can't protect yourself, but remember that you have means of being superior to him. Be smarted, braver, be the Warrior."

"I will, I'll remember," the pale girl told her. She was shocked at how quickly she had taking the role of Elder and pack member.

"Your question?"

"How old are you? Will you tell me more stories, uh, histories, I mean. Legends?"

"I will tell you them one day, just make sure you pass them on." The double meaning standing out clear to Bella. "I was born in the year of 1924 among my people, I have no idea how old that would make me though for our years run very differently. I have a rather poor concept of time but I believe it to be at a time where the legions were the dominant power."

Not waiting a response, Aleida hugs the Swan girl. She placed her still bloody hand on the girls sleeve, marking her scent for her Emmett.

"Do not forget, woman are-"

"Forged in iron and blood." The girls finished together.

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Unedited

Some parts are hella bomb wile others are hella crap so let me know if anything isnt clear or is just really bad!!